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The next morning!
At Kuoh Academy, a private school—
"Enrollment?"
Asia looked excited but unsure. "Can someone like me really enroll here?"
Having grown up in the Church, she had always dreamed of living a normal school life.
"Don't worry, leave everything to me!"
Minato gently patted her head, like he was spoiling her.
"Yeah, Asia, you don't have to stress about it."
Knowing a bit about Asia's background, Shiyu's eyes softened with sympathy.
It was the start of the school day.
Plenty of students rushed along the paths to class.
Minato's group of three definitely stood out.
"Isn't that the new transfer student, Utaha-senpai? She's gorgeous!"
"And the girl next to her—she's a nun? She's super pretty too!"
"They're both hanging out with Minato-senpai. So jealous..."
Wherever you go, the combo of a hot guy and beautiful girls is always a magnet for attention.
Minato was already well-known at school.
Even though he skipped class a lot, that ridiculously handsome face of his had basically made him a campus legend.
Shiyu, even as a recent transfer, was already famous as a school beauty.
Wherever they walked, whispers followed.
Minato and Shiyu were used to it.
But Asia, on the other hand, blushed hard hearing the students around them.
Saying she was Minato's girlfriend or something… it was so embarrassing!
As they walked along, a figure stepped in front of them like they'd been waiting there for a while.
It was a woman with neat shoulder-length hair, glasses perched on her delicate face, giving off a smart, elegant vibe.
"Cana, what's up?"
Minato smiled as he saw her walk over.
Cana Shitori (Sona)—another pure-blood demon, second only to Rias.
Because of Rias, the two sides were already pretty familiar with each other.
Stare.
Utaha was eyeing Shitori Sona up and down, not even blinking.
Phew!
At least this time, she didn't lose out.
Still, another ridiculously beautiful girl.
Should she say this is exactly what you'd expect from a demon's territory?
How many top-tier beauties have shown up by now?
Sona clearly noticed Utaha staring at her, but didn't seem to care. Instead, she turned to Minato and said,
"Make sure you check in on Rias more often these days."
Without waiting for a response, she walked off just like that.
"…What was that supposed to mean?"
Utaha looked confused, but then noticed the thoughtful look on Minato's face.
And more than that, she saw that unmistakable coldness in his eyes.
The same coldness she saw last night… when he killed someone.
Who was it this time that pissed off her master?
Occult Research Club!
"H-Hi everyone, I'm Asia Argento… I'm really looking forward to getting to know you all."
Asia gave a deep bow to Rias and the others.
The three of them exchanged strange looks at the shy girl.
Because… that nun outfit Asia was wearing was way too eye-catching for a bunch of demons.
"Material! This is all amazing writing material!"
Off to the side, Utaha's eyes were sparkling.
A nun living among demons? Her head was already bursting with ideas.
"Hey there! Looking forward to working with you."
In the end, it was Rias who broke the silence. Her gentle eyes turned toward her childhood friend.
"Mind explaining what exactly is going on here?"
"Well, here's what happened..."
Minato didn't hide anything and told them the whole story from beginning to end.
Women are emotional creatures.
After hearing about Asia's past, Rias's expression softened.
"Still... letting a nun enroll here is kinda pushing it."
She spoke slowly, "But if she becomes your servant, then it's not a problem."
She already knew Asia had a Sacred Gear and was clearly trying to help him out a bit.
"Th-this... I…"
Asia looked completely overwhelmed.
To become a demon… to become Minato's servant… that was just…
"No! I can't even think about that. Lord, please forgive my blasphemous thoughts!"
Asia shook her head frantically and started silently praying.
Suddenly—
Everyone in the room except Minato frowned slightly.
They were demons, after all.
Even though her prayer wasn't harmful, it still made them uncomfortable.
Because that god she was praying to… was their greatest enemy.
"Ah…"
Asia realized her mistake right away and apologized shyly,
"Sorry… I forgot you were all demons."
"..." Rias and the others fell silent.
"Alright, alright, don't take it so seriously—Rias was just teasing you."
Minato finally stepped in gently.
Asia had a ton of potential. She'd definitely make a good servant. No way he wasn't tempted.
But… it wasn't time to rush things.
"You talk too much!"
Rias rolled her eyes at him, but it looked good on her. "Fine. I'll handle the admission stuff."
"Really?!"
Asia lit up with joy and bowed deeply again. "Thank you so, so much!"
"Well, now that's settled, time to get to work."
Koneko stood up and started dragging Utaha out of the room.
"Wait—ahhh!"
Utaha threw a desperate look at Minato like she was pleading for help.
She just got here!
And they're making her train already?!
Minato pretended he didn't see anything.
He didn't want any of his servants to be useless pretty faces.
"Rias, about what Sona said earlier…"
Minato looked serious. "Is the Phoenix clan stirring up trouble again?"
"Let me guess—Sona told you that?"
Rias let out a long sigh, but smiled anyway. "Don't worry. I'll never agree to that damn marriage."
"Give me some more time. I will break the engagement."
Even though she smiled, her eyes were burning with an unwavering determination.
Like she'd rather die than give in.
Just as I thought.
Minato's eyes turned icy.
Even with him around now, that damn engagement between the two pure-blood devil houses still existed.
Back when he hadn't awakened his memories, all that effort he put into training… it was just so he could help Rias break it off.
"What's… going on?"
Asia tilted her head, a big question mark practically floating over her head.
"Asia, come with me,"
Akeno gave a quiet sigh, gently taking Asia's hand and leading her out—leaving the room to just the two of them.
"....."